Matcharista / Barista

About Vale:

At Vale, our goal is to make magic and bring the real benefits of matcha to everyone. We are a group of fun-loving, matcha enthusiasts who believe that a good idea can come from anywhere and that an exceptional matcha experience is about more than what’s in the cup.

As a Matcharista, you are more than a drink maker. You are a storyteller, host, and guide who brings the passion, intention, and beauty of matcha to life. You will create moments of genuine connection with every guest while delivering the care, precision, and hospitality that Vale is known for.

Our Southcenter location is opening in November and will operate as a smaller, kiosk-style café. This role will be based entirely at Southcenter, where you’ll help bring the full Vale experience to a new community in a more compact setting. You’ll be part of the opening team, helping establish the location from the beginning while delivering the same high-quality matcha and hospitality our guests expect from Vale.

This job is demanding and may not be for everyone!

Who you are:

• Outgoing and people-focused. You love talking to people and aren't afraid to start a conversation. You bring positive energy to every shift and enjoy creating genuine connections with guests. If meeting and engaging with new people energizes you, you'll thrive in this role.
• Enthusiastic about matcha. The world of matcha is huge, so you should be curious about its benefits, flavor profiles, and methods of preparation.
• Detail Oriented. Take pride in your craft and ensure Vale’s quality is consistent and repeatable.
• Hospitality focused. Creating drinks is only part of the equation, providing top tier customer service is what gets people returning again and again.
• Considerate and kind. You’re both interested in being on a team and connecting with people.
• Available on weekends. We offer flexible scheduling, but weekend availability is essential for this role. Weekends are some of our busiest and most exciting times, and Matcha Ambassadors will regularly work weekend shifts
• Versatile. Running a matcha cart is dynamic work! You should be curious about how the cart equipment functions, capable of thinking on your feet, and able to juggle multiple priorities while keeping the guest experience front and center..
• Excited to be a part of a growing team. Vale is a growing company and we want you to grow with us.
• Creative. All Vale employees are encouraged and incentivized to create content for our social media teams!

What you'll do:

• Prepare ceremonial-grade matcha, coffee, and other beverages with accuracy, care, and consistency. Execute proper mixing techniques, temperature control, and presentation. You’ll maintain deep knowledge of matcha origins, flavor profiles, caffeine content, and benefits. Uphold beverage recipes, quality standards, and visual presentation.
• Create a haven for matcha lovers. You will welcome every guest with warmth, presence, and genuine enthusiasm. Educate guests on matcha with confidence and approachability and guide first-time matcha drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. The expectation is to create a calm and inviting atmosphere through mindful service.
• Maintain health, safety, and Vale standards. Maintain a clean, organized, and beautiful bar space. Follow all food safety, sanitation, and opening/closing procedures. You’ll support smooth café flow during both quiet and high-volume moments, and always arrive on time.
• Represent the Vale brand. You are the first person at Vale many people interact with, and it is important to be a positive representative of Vale as it grows. You are expected to understand Vale’s history, company values, and why we love matcha.
• Be a part of a team. We want you to come as you are, but expect that you treat coworkers with kindness, respect, and professionalism at all times. Vale is a growing company chasing a common goal, and we rely on each other to grow together to get there.

Qualifications:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 60 lbs.
• Availability for mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• An interest in matcha, tea culture, or wellness.
• Be at least 18 years of age at time of application.
• (Preferred) Previous barista or food service experience.
• (Preferred) Social media and content creation experience.

Benefits:

• ORCA card
• Tip eligible
• Credit for cafe spend while working and steep discount while making purchases off-shift.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a fast-growing company.